Once I finally retire my current (DESKTOP) system, I am looking to build a new Haswell-based PC. I would like it to a microATX system, based on the Asus Gryphon Z87 chipset. I was wondering what case to install this new PC. I was thinking about this one. If you have other suggestions, please let me know here.

I built a kind of similar microATX system (Gryphon Z87, 4770K, GTX 770) and put it in a TJ08B-E. I am very happy with the result. I'm no building expert, but I didn't encounter any big issues--it all went pretty smoothly, considering my relative lack of expertise.

The SG10B looks to be quite a bit smaller than the TJ08B-E (23 liters vs 30 liters) so it might be a bit cramped to work in. I'm sure it's doable, but I'd be a little wary. But if you're a fearless, intrepid builder, don't let me discourage you.

I use a Lian Li PC-V354B and like it a lot. I wanted something 'micro' and most other high-end cases have dimensions comparable to an ATX midtower. The only snag I ran into was routing the front fan cables. Do note that the motherboard screws onto the side panel of the case which might be bad if you expect to change the 5.25" drive very often.

TDIdriver wrote:I think the Define Mini is worth a look.What made you go with the Gryphon over something like the OC Formula or G1 Sniper boards?

I'm not keen on front doors so I went with Corsair 350d A little larger than most but everything including my dual fan AIO water cooler fits nicely in it. See my build HERE.

Also as for the G1.Sniper board. I went with it and use it but I'll will be totally honest with you.....STAY AWAY FROM IT! While it is a nice mobo it isnt without its issues. First of all I am not happy with the implementation of the KIller NIC. It just plain sucks. I wish it had an Intel NIC. And as for the on board Creative sound, yeah that sucks too. I eventually disabled it and placed my Asus Xonar back in.

TDIdriver wrote:I think the Define Mini is worth a look.What made you go with the Gryphon over something like the OC Formula or G1 Sniper boards?

I second this. I use one myself and while it's a little big compared to some other micro ATX cases, the build quality and its features are really quite nice plus as a non-gamer and someone who enjoys non-tacky looking cases, it keeps a nice simple, professional look as well.

I have a Corsair 350D that I am very pleased with, however it is only a tiny bit smaller than my previous ATX case. Also, the Corsair cases are great for Corsair water coolers if you decide to go that route.

Most of the suggestions in this thread are for large cases. Cases like the Fractal Design Fine Mini or Corsair 350D are as large as many ATX cases. You're not gaining any size advantage but reducing the motherboard choices. Makes zero sense to go that route...

I have the Asus Gryphon Z87 motherboard in a Silverstone Temjin TJ08-E case. It's been a good combination so far. With Asus' Thermal Radar 2 software, I've got the fans set to run nearly silently while browsing the web, but still spin up to provide excellent cooling during gaming.

slowriot wrote:Most of the suggestions in this thread are for large cases. Cases like the Fractal Design Fine Mini or Corsair 350D are as large as many ATX cases. You're not gaining any size advantage but reducing the motherboard choices. Makes zero sense to go that route...

When you go from a full tower to the 350d it's like going from a mansion to an apartment. The 350d is small enough at least for me. There are a few features that I wanted and the 350d fit them all. So yes it does make sense to go that route.

I build all the machines at work. That's about 10 builds in the last three years, which isn't much, but I've have been able to try some different cases.

Last build I used the Define R3 Mini. I hate it. It's bigger than an mATX case should be. The mesh dust filters require removing screws to clean. I don't like doors on cases. I generally don't like top-side positioning of connectors. Also, I don't like the bulge of the fan grilles on the top and side of the case. The one on the top is an annoyance when I have multiple USB drives connected to those top-facing USB ports.

JustAnEngineer wrote:Silverstone Temjin TJ08-E. It's been a good combination so far.

I've done a least five builds with this case. It presents minor annoyances, but overall is the best mATX case I've ever worked with.

The 23-liter Sugo SG10 case that you originally linked is an elegant triumph of packing a lot into a small space.

I'm intrigued by this case. I'll likely use it for the next build I do.

TDIdriver wrote:I think the Define Mini is worth a look.What made you go with the Gryphon over something like the OC Formula or G1 Sniper boards?

I second this. I use one myself and while it's a little big compared to some other micro ATX cases, the build quality and its features are really quite nice plus as a non-gamer and someone who enjoys non-tacky looking cases, it keeps a nice simple, professional look as well.

Third. I have done several builds with that case and it is put together well.

I seriously don't understand how someone could recommend the Fractal Define Mini. It doesn't have any advantages...

1. It's huge. Far larger than it should be for the limited capability.2. Its very heavy. Even for its huge size its heavy.3. Not quiet and poor cooling.

It doesn't do anything right out of the box other than look neat. Its one of my bigger regrets of cases I've bought.

tanker27 wrote:When you go from a full tower to the 350d it's like going from a mansion to an apartment. The 350d is small enough at least for me. There are a few features that I wanted and the 350d fit them all. So yes it does make sense to go that route.

No, it doesn't make sense. The same reduction in size would have been achieved with a smaller ATX case. If you're fine with a case the size of a 350D then you have numerous great ATX options open to you. Those options don't require you to get an mATX motherboard.

Do you have a Core 1000?There's no need to remove drives to change RAM and there's no need to remove the top HDD to change GPUs. The 5.25" bays could also be used for HDDs.Why would you have to cut zip ties when you can just disconnect the cables?

There are several options I haven't gotten around to covering (Define Mini, Nanoxia Deep Silence 4 Mini), but this should give you a good idea of what to expect from a mATX case. Personally, I think either the Lian Li PC A04B or Silverstone PS07 strike the best balance between size, features and cost. The 350D gets recommended a lot, but it's stupid big for a mATX case (IMO) and is really best suited for users who intend to mount a 240 mm radiator.